Funding Resources

Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs & Emerging Contractors

At The B.R.I.D.G.E. to Konnect, we understand that access to capital is a critical component of business growth, contract readiness, and long-term sustainability. For entrepreneurs and emerging contractors, capital is not only a growth tool—it is a readiness requirement for pursuing institutional and public-sector opportunities.

Our Funding Resources are designed to support businesses at every stage of development by strengthening financial preparedness, improving capital readiness, and connecting firms to funding sources aligned with operational growth and contracting requirements.

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Through structured guidance, technical assistance, and trusted financial partnerships, we help businesses position themselves to secure the capital necessary to compete, perform, and scale.

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1. Capital Readiness & Funding Pathways

We support entrepreneurs and contractors in identifying and pursuing funding sources aligned with their stage of development and readiness for institutional and public-sector markets.

Grants & Public Funding Programs

Grants provide non-dilutive capital that can support early growth, capacity building, and readiness activities.

• Amber Grant for Women Entrepreneurs – Monthly and annual grants supporting women-owned businesses

• Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) – Federal funding programs, technical assistance, and capacity-building resources for minority-owned firms

• SBA 8(a) Business Development Program – Federal program supporting socially and economically disadvantaged firms pursuing government contracting

We provide guidance on eligibility, documentation, and application strategy to strengthen competitiveness and alignment with program requirements.

Small Business Loans & Financing

Debt financing plays a central role in supporting working capital, equipment acquisition, bonding capacity, and contract performance.

• SBA Loan Programs – Financing for working capital, equipment, and real estate aligned with business and contracting needs

• Kiva Microloans – Zero-interest capital supporting early-stage and growth-stage businesses

• Accion Funding – Mission-driven lender supporting underserved entrepreneurs and contractors

Our team assists with financial documentation preparation, lender readiness, and positioning businesses to meet underwriting and compliance standards.

Pitch Competitions & Equity-Based Funding

Pitch competitions and equity programs provide both capital and visibility for high-growth businesses.

• Preparation for local, regional, and national pitch competitions

• Coaching on investor presentations, financial storytelling, and growth strategy

• Guidance on selecting funding pathways aligned with long-term business control and scalability

This support strengthens investor readiness and improves the quality of capital pursued.

Investor & Supplier Networks

We support businesses in accessing institutional and corporate networks that expand both funding and contracting opportunity.

• National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) – Access to corporate buyers, investors, and supplier diversity ecosystems

• Houston Minority Supplier Development Council (HMSDC) – Regional supplier and investment connections

• Introductions to mission-aligned lenders, CDFIs, and ecosystem partners

These networks support both capital access and long-term market access.

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2. How We Support Capital Readiness

Access to capital requires more than applications—it requires readiness.

We provide structured support to strengthen financial positioning and improve funding outcomes, including:

• Grant & Funding Application Support
  Guidance on identifying appropriate programs, strengthening narratives, and preparing compliant applications

• Loan & Lender Readiness Assistance
  Support with financial statements, projections, documentation, and underwriting preparation

• Investor & Pitch Coaching
  Coaching on financial storytelling, valuation, and investor communications

• Capital Strategy & Sequencing
  Advising on the right type of capital at the right stage to avoid overleveraging and improve sustainability

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Our approach ensures businesses pursue funding aligned with their operational capacity, compliance requirements, and long-term performance goals.

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3. Public-Sector & Institutional Capital Resources

We prioritize funding pathways that support contractor readiness and institutional participation, including:

• Federal, state, and local government funding initiatives

• CDFIs and mission-driven lenders supporting small contractors

• Bonding and working capital programs supporting public works participation

• Supplier diversity-linked capital programs

These resources are integrated into our contractor development and readiness programming.

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4. Take the Next Step

Whether you are preparing for your first loan, seeking grant funding, or positioning your firm for public-sector contracts, The B.R.I.D.G.E. to Konnect provides structured support to strengthen your capital readiness.

• Schedule Funding & Capital Readiness Support

• Request Loan or Grant Preparation Assistance

• Explore Capital Readiness Programming

Access to capital is not a barrier—it is a strategy.
We help you build the financial foundation to compete, perform, and grow